Airline Finance News.

International revenue falls short of expectations. Airlines' international revenue grew 5.5% in January, falling short of some analysts' estimates. Airlines have shifted more planes to international routes, partly to avoid competition for low-fare airlines. Unit revenue, which measures revenue per seat mile flown, rose 9.9% in January, compared to year-ago levels, according to the Air Transport Association. Feb 23, 2006

New pension rules should apply to airlines. Lawmakers should consider pension reforms that would prevent defaults, The New York Times editorial board writes. However, the provisions should not exempt airlines from new funding rules that would apply to other companies. Some carriers support the exemption and say they would be more likely to default if they had to calculate pension obligations the way other businesses do. Feb 23, 2006

Airlines continue cutting jobs. Airlines continue to shrink their work forces. Carriers cut 27,000 jobs in 2005, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Legacy carriers shed most of the jobs, but hiring at discount airlines has also slowed or leveled off. Feb 22, 2006

Travelers say poor weather leads to longer delays. Some frequent fliers say they face lengthy delays and trouble finding available airline seats when flights are canceled because of poor weather. Carriers over the past year have cut the number of flights to help stem large losses. Airlines lost $32.3 billion between 2001 and 2004, according to Air Transport Association spokesman David Castelveter. Feb 20, 2006